“You’re very polite, but I belong to another generation,”

Meaning

Despite being a relatively minor character, Wolfshiem provides an important contrast with Gatsby. Both are connected to illegal activities and understand all of the shady activity that comes with this (as shown when Gatsby “cooly” mentions fixing the World Series). But unlike Gatsby who deludes himself into believing he can repeat the past, Wolshiem is very realistic about his situation. He knows that Father Time takes his toll on everyone, and that in order to maintain success you have you have to throw all sentimentality out the window. Instead of hanging around too long, he simply dismisses himself and gets on with his life.

It might not be as rewarding to live life this way, but it has kept him in business for a very long time, while the dreamer Gatsby eventually gets tripped up by his aspirations.